Prince Harry charity issues statement after Duke’s Trump response | Royal | News

A charity linked to Prince Harry has broken its silence after US President Donald Trump’s comments about NATO. The President of the United States caused a sensation this week after he suggested in an interview with Fox News that NATO allied troops “stayed a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan.

He also claimed the US had “never needed” its NATO partners, despite being the only member state to have ever invoked the alliance’s “all for one, and one for all” clause, in the wake of 9/11. Prince Harry issued a powerful statement on Friday, saying that the sacrifices of British soldiers “deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect”.

Mr Trump’s remarks have drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum in the UK, with critics pointing to both the number of UK deaths in Afghanistan and highlighting Mr Trump’s avoidance of military service in Vietnam.

One of those condemning the comments was Scotty’s Little Soldiers, of which Prince Harry is Global Ambassador.

The charity’s founder and Army widow, Nikki Scott, issued an emotional video message, which was shared on the charity’s social media.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military children and young people.

Ms Scott said in her message that Mr Trump’s comments have been “deeply upsetting for many.”

She said: “At Scotty’s, we want to reassure you that those who matter absolutely understand the sacrifices and the difference made by our armed forces supporting the Americans in the conflict.”

“My husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan while serving with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

“He not only left behind me, but also our two children, Kai and Brooke, and many others who loved him dearly.”

She then showed a little black book sent back to her from Afghanistan by her late husband, which included his briefings, the last of which said: “We will make life better.”

Ms Scott continued: “Lee believed in the work he was doing in Afghanistan. He believed in making life better for the everyday Afghan people. And I believe in the difference he and all our armed forces made, and no one should tell us otherwise.

“Over the last 15 years now, Scotty’s has been supporting bereaved British forces, children and young people and their families. Later this year, we will be building on that work to open our support to all those affected by military-connected bereavement in the UK.

“We aren’t quite ready to launch this just yet, but if you’ve been affected by the comments made yesterday, then please feel free to reach out to us via email at families at scottieslittlesoldiers.co.uk. You are not alone. You’re part of our community.”

Meanwhile, speaking in Downing Street, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the comments were “frankly appalling” and signalled the US President should apologise.